EU's 20th sanctions package agreed upon, but the final decision blocked by Hungary and Slovakia

EU ambassadors have agreed the text of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, but the final decision remains blocked by Budapest and Bratislava.

The EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia has been agreed by 25 member states, but Hungary and Slovakia are blocking it.

"It can now be said that the text of the 20th sanctions package is finally agreed, except for the reservations publicly voiced by two member states," an EU diplomat told European Pravda on condition of anonymity.

Another diplomat said the issue was not included in the agenda of this week's meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels (Committee of Permanent Representatives, Coreper) because of the stance taken by Hungary and Slovakia.

The discussion of the 20th sanctions package is also absent from the agenda for the next Coreper meeting, scheduled for 4 March.

The EU had planned to approve the 20th sanctions package by the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. However, Hungary blocked the decision and also hindered the allocation of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.

Slovakia, meanwhile, raised concerns that adopting the 20th sanctions package "could disrupt peace talks" with Russia.

Nevertheless, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she is confident EU member states will adopt the 20th sanctions package against Russia despite Hungary and Slovakia currently blocking its adoption.